Hundreds turn out for meeting about possible OK town move

(Picher-AP) -- About 300 people gathered to discuss possibly moving two northeast Oklahoma towns plagued by contamination from old lead and zinc mines.

Residents from Picher and Cardin are frustrated with the disruption caused by the Environmental Protection Agency's efforts to clean up the area.

The E-P-A is removing contaminated soil in residential yards and public access areas in Picher, Cardin, Commerce, Quapaw and North Miami.

John Sparkman proposed moving the towns two miles south of the U-S 69 and U-S 69-A junction.

He says while surface cleanup is occurring, officials have identified mines underground that are caving in.

Miami state Representative Larry Roberts attended last night's meeting. He says he's worried about money that's been spent on new streets and new water and sewage systems.

No decision on the relocation proposal was made.